Kato's handler, Officer Eric Tung, called him off and they continued on their way.

Woodfolk filed a lawsuit against the city of Kent and the Kent Police Department this month, accusing them of liability and negligence in the September 2016 dog bite that occurred outside the Monte Carlo Pub on West Meeker Street. He lives in Federal Way, about 20 miles south of Seattle.

The plaintiff claims he was wrongfully bitten in the search for another man accused of trespassing, theft and obstruction with an outstanding arrest warrant, according to the complaint.

Woodfolk says that medics treated him at the scene and he went to Valley Medical Center for treatment on his own, but he suffered a gash, bruising and several puncture wounds, accompanied by tingling and loss of feeling in his fingers, he wrote on a claim form.

Woodfolk claims he continues to suffer "disability, emotional distress and anxiety" as a result of the alleged incident. He still can't fully extend his pinky finger and suffers post-traumatic stress, according to his attorney.